Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives’ parliamentary group leader Ahmed Nihan, on Thursday, stated that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group leader and Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Solih is well deserving of being the presidential candidate for the main opposition, however, is no competition to President Yameen Abdul Gayyoom.

MP Solih was arrested for the first time in his political career under the state of emergency on March 16 from a major opposition rally in the capital Male. His remand was not extended, unlike most politicians who were arrested and remanded during the state of emergency that was in place for 45-days until it was lifted on March 22 and was released from police custody Wednesday, after 11-days of detention.

Speaking to Mihaaru, Nihan revealed that there were members of the opposition looking to make former president Mohamed Nasheed and former speaker of the parliament and Henveiru North MP Abdulla Shahid their next presidential candidate. He added, however, that former speaker Abdulla Shahid has the most support of the opposition.

Nihan further expressed confidence in the President, stating that the main opposition will not succeed in finding a capable candidate as such to beat the ruling party’s candidate, President Yaameen.

However the ruling party parliamentary group leader stated his respect and opinion of MP Ibrahim Solih’s loyalty to the opposition and stated Solih as the opposition’s most deserved presidential candidate for the upcoming elections.

MP Solih has been an instrumental figure in leading the opposition coalition activities since most of its leaders, including former President Mohamed Nasheed and Jumhoory Party’s leader Qasim Ibrahim are currently in self-exile, while others are serving time in prison on serious allegations. The experienced lawmaker was first elected to the parliament as Lhaviyani Atoll MP in 1994.

MDP Chairperson Hussain Latheef, on March 28, revealed that the opposition coalition is getting ready to reopen discussions to bring forth a presidential candidate to compete against President Abdulla Yameen in the upcoming presidential elections.